Chapter 14: Return of the Unfortunate

The bell rings and we all settled on our seats. I watched other students come in to the classroom and go to their seats before our homeroom teacher arrives. I hunched my back, leaning to my table and rests my head on my arms when I placed them on my table. I faced my head to the window and observe the moving clouds in the sky.

The sound of the heels walking enters the room along with another pair of heels walking follows. I didnt bother myself to take look.

"Good morning class."

"Good morning Ma'am Arevalo."

"Today, someone will be joining us."

Joining? A transferee? But I dont remember any transferee.

I raised my head and took a peek at the person at the front. It is a girl. Her hair is straight with curtain bangs. She wears a narrow gold framed glasses for vision aid. She is wearing a light makeup with pink lipstick applied on her lips. She is also quite tall  though not taller than I am. She looks very serious but somehow her gaze is soft and shy. A sense of cordiality in her manner.

"Alliyah Camiera. It is so good that you are joining us again. It has been so long." The teacher announces her name and turned to Alliyah and gave her hand a squeeze. Alliyah shyly moved her body around as everyone is looking at her. Their words expresses with a surprise and positive by the end of their sentences before slowly turning to me, their eyes squinted at me. I immediately felt like shrinking in my seat again because of their staring.

I maintain my composure looking at the front, unexpectedly yet expectantly catching Alliyah's eyes staring at me. What horror did her eyes became when she met mine. Her expression changed so quickly and is hesitant to move an inch. I didnt do anything except looking back at her.

Everyone noticed the tension between the two of us.

"Do you think Carlos would do it again?"

"I wont hold back if he were to do something to her again."

"Is it really safe for her to be here when Carlos  is in the same as her? I feel worried about her."

Well... seems like I have enjoyed the silence too much. One bad thing that Carlos did be recalled on the spot, the gossiping starts again. I did get quite a break from their burning gazes and whispering about me behind my back, the peace of mine will not remain forever.

I broke my eye contact to Alliyah and looked out at the window, wanting to shut everything out once more as much as I can. I didnt do any of it and the fact that I am in the body of a person who did cruel things to other students, its impossible for them to believe anything if I were to say anything. I might get called a different level of crazy if I were to tell them Im a soul who possessed this body involuntarily because of a dream and is stuck and this is no longer the Carlos they know.

I saw at the corner of my eye that Ma'am Arevalo whispered something to Alliyah before sending her off to find an open seat for her to take. She looked at Ma'am Arevalo with fear in her eyes but nodded her head before leaving Ma'am Arevalo's side. I dared not to follow her with my eyes or else everyone might suspect something as if they havent already.

Ugh... so much pressure early in the morning. I feel like everything I ate this morning is running wild in my stomach.

Alliyah's background is almost the same as Catherine which is why the two became very familiar to each other very quickly. Catherine can empathize with her easily and Alliyah the same to her, although, what makes them different is that Catherine isnt accepted as much as Alliyah is. And the burden she carries is unknown to almost everyone around her. Alliyah can only empathize with her much.

I dont know the story between Carlos and Alliyah when she came back or it might have just that I forgot about it already since it has been 3 years since I have played the game. But I do remember that Alliyah became a key character in the story if she was kept alive. Kept alive... yes, she can die and also survive, depends on the path Rhyden will take.

With an upcoming event that will take part next week, by the end of that week to be precise. The school's foundation and also the owner's birthday, aligned to the big day of the school and most likely that the owner will celebrate her birthday here so everyone's been busy since then because of the upcoming day.

The day of the foundation day, Catherine and Rhyden will face a dilemma situation each both of them. Catherine joined the singing contest and Rhyden to sword contest. With an arising incident that has yet to happen, only few people knows what will happen, including the student council who was alerted at the very last minute. As for the incident, Carlos, unforgettable for me, has something to do with it. He is involved to the incident. Luckily for me, I can get away from it. Well at least, what I meant by getting away from it is that I won't be punished in any way by the school due to the lack of evidence of me being involved to the incident. Though remembering that I have changed a few scenes in the story, there's a chance something could be different so I need to cautious on my action while performing the action. As much as I hate it, I am forced to do it. I can change few scenes but not the major ones, unless I want to challenge the goddesses above and see for myself if they are watching. I don't want to risk that.

Ma'am Arevalo heard the bell rang and prepared to leave the classroom. She arranged her stuffs from the desk before leaving me. She took a quick peek on me. Her eyes sharp.

Don't worry ma'am. I am not gonna do anything to Alliyah more attempt to do something to her that will make her suffer.

The room is immediately filled with voices talking to each other right after Ma'am Arevalo left.

"Hey, have you prepared yourself for the long quiz?" One of the girls asked to her friend. She got a reply from her. "Yeah, though I am not confident enough that I remember everything! All the lessons I reviewed is fading in my brain whenever I try to remember everything!" And laughter followed after.

Ah yes, an long quiz. We have an exam for alchemy. Good thing it isn't a practical exam or else I would have hated it so much. It brings me back in chemistry class. I am grateful that the Chemistry in this world, which is the alchemy, isnt so much complicated compared to chemistry. No stupid periodic table to remember, although there are still some lots of things to remember, the difference is that they are easy to remember and not those Na, Si, and other acronyms I can't even tell. My poor brain.

The lessons in every subjects are fairly easy. Too easy perhaps. Their lessons are easy to understand and the information can be grasp with no further difficulty. Maybe because everything is so simple and has yet to be complicated compared to my world. And, just so that I were to ace this long quiz, there could be a possibility for my grade to rise higher. Same as to my other subjects too if I keep up doing the activities properly and the quizzes. I can elevate my reputation a little in the school by having good grades at least. It's a good place to start by doing school things right show that I am  academically able and for Carlos' image too. Now I can be seen as evil and smart if I get to achieve the grades I am looking for.

Even if I am just a minor villain in the story, the smart villain title is cool!

The other students pulled out their notes to study at the very last minute before our next teacher arrives. Though I'd do the same as well. I have been paying attention to each and every classes nowadays while focusing on the story since there isn't much to do in this world other than do things that are presented to you instead of looking for things to do. It is easier this way. I'm not an actual player to explore every nooks of the places for treasures.

Wait are there hidden treasures somewhere in this world just like in the game or only Rhyden can have access to those? Sometimes I wonder if this story is just a story or have some game mechanics as well other than the stats we all have.

I opened my notes in Alchemy and started scrolling though the pages patiently as I read each words written. Despite Alchemy is the same as the Chemistry. I don't need to focus on calculations too much here. All I need to focus is remembering the amounts of each of ingredients to make on potion and another. But despite I keep saying alchemy is easier, it still made it a lot more easier than it is now by knowing something about Chemistry directly.

"No way. You're actually reviewing?" Eugene appeared next to me. He placed his elbow to my desk and leaned in closer to see my notes, curious about the contents and I doubt he is here to look at my notes to review but out of his... Daily torments to me by annoying me. I've grown quite tolerant of him.

"Woah, you're actually serious. Didn't pitch you in for someone academic since you barely cared for that stuff or you're born dumb. What changed, huh?" He grabs my wrist and slowly pulled it down to lower my notebook and turn my attention to him.

I used my left to get his hand off of me. I took his arm using my point finger and thumb only and pried his hand off like a claw machine. "What has changed is that I am going to set my grades into an agreeable numbers.  Perhaps I was too kind to everyone by letting them get higher grades than me to make them think I'm a dumb. They should be thankful that I gave them a chance to get the honors they are in right now but that changes today." I boastfully bragged to Eugene with a smug on my face. I let a smile creep up to my lips while I am smugly eyeing Eugene from the corner of my eyes. Still, I did it so quietly for only him and I to hear about what I have just said. Can't risk everyone hearing those words and surely they have something to say to me if they heard that.

"Oh please! You can't even answer simple math! What is it there for you to just suddenly have a change. You have a tutor do you?" He suspects. He lowers my notes again and I irritably smack his head with it, earning an ouch from him.

"What am I? A child? For me to have a tutor? I'm capable enough to study on my own. I can't believe you're gonna compare me to children." With my full attention to him, I snarled at him. Showing my great irritation to him that he seems to not acknowledge or he simply ignores it to annoy me further.

"I didn't say that." He smirked and bared on side of his teeth, showing me his human fang which I found very very taunting. If I could, I will grab whatever the tool dentists use to pull out teeth and use it to him.

"Oh you did. By saying something about having a tutor." I slammed my notes on the table and raised my hand to hit him however, he dodges it and taunts me by dancing in front of me with a look on his face still.

"That's different!" He laughs.

"It's the same thing, Mongrel!"

"No, it isn't!"

"Shut up! What about you? Why aren't you studying?"

"I don't need to study. I'm full of talents." Eugene stands up and flexes his clothed arms.

"Muscles and strength is different to using brains for academics. You really are a brawl with no brain are you?" I pulled my eyes away from him with disgust. Unbelievable that this guy thinks that only a talent could save his ass to everything.  I cant believe that people in this world actually think that way, forgetting about the real life and all drawn to their teeny little talent, thinking its enough for everything. This school should teach something more about life when students like him have such a mindset.

"What you saying?" He stops his flexing and looks at me intensely. I paid no mind to him at all but I just couldnt, right when a simple insult can get him going so quickly.

"Brawl!" I repeated.

"That's it!" Eugene lunges to me with his arms wide open. He grabs my arms and I did the same to him. I am pushing him with all my might and yet I am the one who's being moved as he pushes me in return. He corners me to the windowsill. I felt the wind brushing against my my back and my hair. The chilly winds sending shivers down to my spine with the weather being so cloudy and windy, no sigh of the sun can be seen.

"Call me brawl again!" Eugene threateningly invites. He switches his hold from my shoulders to my wrists.

"Brawl!" I tauntingly yelled at him. I gave out a small hysterical laugh at him, urging him to do it even though I fear of falling. I wont back down. No. I wont give him any satisfaction by surrendering.

"Goodluck falling, Advincula." He lets out a small laugh before lifting my body by only holding my wrists. Moving me closer to the edge. My feet lifted off the ground.

"Hey hey hey! What the hell-- stop!" I struggled in his grasp, resulting my notes falling off. "Noo! My notes! Look at what have you done!" I furiously yelled at him.

---

Satisfied on what Eugene did, he pulled Carlos back inside and started laughing. Carlos on the other hand is fuming. He used his hands that are clenched into fists and punching Eugene relentlessly and saying something about his notes that fell of. Demanding Eugene to get his notes that fell off from the building. Expectedly, Eugene just laughs it off and refuses to get it. With all the laughing Eugene is making, Carlos is too furious that clears his mind altogether and in result, he couldnt help but get affected by Eugene's laughter. He pursed his lip with a frown look in his face before beginning to smile and let out a small laugh. Eugene heard that small laugh and his attention quickly diverted to Carlos.

At the corner of Carlos' eyes, he saw Rhyden who is standing there. Rhyden stood up right when things escalated and tried to stop the two before someone could get hurt (and we all know that will be Carlos) but soon came to a halt when Eugene pulled Carlos back inside and began laughing like it was all a child's play. Dumbfounded, he watches the two and saw every expressions Carlos made before it all came down into a laugh.

The murmuring begins. Everyone who had seen the two when they got louder in their argument and saw everything unfolds, grew suspiciously as the two started laughing by their own.

"Since when did they get close?"

"They're laughing together? That's... Weird."

"This cannot be real. Are they friends now?"

"They're so close to each other."

Hearing those whispering mouths. The two became conscious with their surroundings, bringing them back in reality and everyone saw everything. Embarrassed, the two returned to their seats and sat down properly. Behaving as if nothing happened. Unbeknownst to both of them that their cheeks had became red. Eugene crosses his arms and keep up a straight face without knowing his reddening face. And Carlos, who cannot keep up his act due to the embarrassment, shrinks down in his seat, resting his face on his arms resting on his desk, covering his face yet his ears exposed, showing the deep tint of red.

Rhyden, who had already returned to his seat, watches the two act so out of character. Seeing the new side of the two. Observing Carlos who slow as a snail regained his composure yet his face remained with that pathetic look Rhyden didnt know Carlos have till now and still red. He felt a wave of curiosity in him for an unknown reason. Maybe because what Carlos is showing now within the past few weeks and the rumors about what he had done in the past contradicts everything. Carlos has been quiet since then aside from making a ruckus on students who he playfully disturbs for a little whenever they talk.

The person inside Carlos is still doing some of the characteristics Carlos has to instill the same character to everyone while changing some few traits of Carlos unnoticeably that will be noticeable soon to everyone. He remains tamed and behave and by times he will do some small tricks and laughs before going away.

Rhyden, from his first year in this school, had some of his shares of stories to tell about Carlos. He is the typical bully who garners attention by doing something so childish yet so problematic everyone tries to avoid him at all cost. Carlos, who have nothing to brag, confidently crashing up some shows to divert people's attention to him for something stupid and pointless. He was a menace. Adding up more to it how Carlos is very touchy to girls who are completely uncomfortable around him. Most girls hide away from him and distance themselves while praying that they are not going to be the next target of his. The worst case who now came back is Alliyah.

Alliyah, who was an innocent girl, enjoying her school days like a normal teenager, fell victim of Carlos when she was found all alone by the staircase. The bell for dismissal rang an hour ago and she hasnt left the school. She stayed at the library to study for the exam, nervous she might fail if she were not to study hard for the exams. An hour passed by and grew worry of how the time easily goes and needs to go home as soon as possible for she did not inform her parents about her staying late at school.

Running down the stairs, she drops her bag that was unknowingly open and all her books and notes, including stationaries fell. It was difficult to pick everything up with her things rolling down the steps. Alliyah clumsily picks up all her things, adding worry to her mind and was quickly relieved when a helping hand came to her. Those hands were slender but lacks the appearance of a female so she knew it must have been a boy. Turning around with her eyes still staring below, she saw the pair of shoes and confirmed that it is a boy.

"Thank you very much." She sheepishly thanked the boy who helped her. She picks the ballpens from the boy's hand and with a smile on her face, unfortunately, that quickly fades away when the face she saw in front of her was Carlos. She froze on the spot, mouth open.

"Arent you gonna take it? Here! Come on now." Carlos playfully took Alliyah's hand using his other hand and helped Alliyah accept the ballpens he picked up for her. Alliyah weakly holds the ballpens. She felt the warmth of his hand when their hands brushed together. His hand smooth and soft, truly a child who grew from wealth and had never experience any hardships. She can't say the difference to her hands as well for she too is a noble.

"Whats wrong? Looks like you just seen a ghost." He teased. Noticing Alliyah's glasses is crooked, probably from kneeling down and picking up her things . He leans closer to her and Alliyah could not react faster and flinched from Carlos' touch but all he did was fixing the glasses for her.

Alliyah, being innocent and naive girl she is, was touched by his action. She found it uncomfortable yet there was something in her heart that made it race faster than what fear did to her heart. Carlos saw that blush forming in her cheeks and made smirk.That was the start of the days of Carlos tormenting Alliyah.

Carlos made sure that he is part of Alliyah's life everyday. He shows up to her in unexpected times. He treats her like a special girl to him and gets happy to every Alliyah's action, encouraging her to do what she loves. He often gets jealous whenever she spends time with her friends and makes sure she knows that, asking her if she is doing it on purpose and getting pouty to her, with his arms wrapped around her neck from behind.

When Alliyah's the one who tries to get close to him, Carlos ignored her as if they have never met. If it were Alliyah to invite Carlos, Carlos excuses himself and say that he have other plans or he is busy. He forces Alliyah to do something with him and when it is Alliyah inviting him, he plays very hard to get. It makes Alliyah frustrated, wanting to break off their friendship however she finds herself unable to do it. Times where Carlos noticing that Alliyah is distancing herself, he is going to force himself to her once more, making sure she doesn't forget about it.

One day, Alliyah confronted Carlos about his actions and behaviors to her. She didn't know where her confidence came from, although she have it and confronting Carlos. "What are we?" Is her final words before the worst thing comes

After being confronted, Carlos only laughed at her. Calling her dumb and stupid for actually following him around like a little duckling.

"I knew it. Girls are very easy. They don't want you if you want them but the more uninterested you are to them, the more they want you. HAHAHHAHAHHA! You're not different to them."

The next Alliyah knew is how Carlos pushes her against the wall and Carlos smashing his lips to her. Alliyah tried to pry him off but Carlos glued himself to her. His arms tightened around her waist before one moved up to her nape and crept up to the back of her skull before pulling a fistful of her hair.

Alliyah came home crying and feeling disgusted of her own body. Her puffy lips, the bruises on her wrists and nape, her messy hair, her uniform crooked and her glasses missing. Andrei is horrified to see his sister at such state. It broke his heart seeing her cry on the floor. He tried to hug her but she flinches away, pulling himself away from her to not startle her further.

Carlos made a move to her and she struggled with all her might. She punches and kicking everywhere, in hopes to keep him away from her. Carlos, losing the chance to do what he intended to do to her, beat her up on the spot and calling her names she wishes not to be called anymore.

She tried to endure the rest of the school days and fearfully cautious of Carlos. Finding it hard for her to accept everything on going back to normal with her abuser walking around the school normally who got away with just a slap on the wrist. She just couldn't and was close going crazy until Andrei couldn't bear it anymore seeing his sister's mental state deteriorate, asks a proposal to his parents to have her homeschooled.

Rhyden hopes he warned Catherine enough to take his words to her heart.

Andrei, who purposely came to Carlos' room by making it seem like an accident, tries to give justice to his sister and also a warning before his sister comes back. He thought of giving Carlos an early warning before Alliyah coming back to school.

---

"Not so difficult now, are ya?" I thought to myself while smirking as I answer the long quiz. My hand moving so swiftly while still being very mindful of my handwriting to make it legible for the teacher to read. I read the questions so quickly and knew the answers already and I dared not to spare any seconds go to waste to put the answers down without any hesitance for I knew to myself and very confident to the knowledge I garnered from the teacher's lessons and the reviewer I had for myself that unfortunately fell off from the window regrettably because of Eugene, but even still, I already knew what was written there.

Slipping the tip of my tongue to my upper lip from anticipation. My back hunched, leaning so close to the paper. My ballpen dancing in motion.

"Aanndd done!" I stretched my back from a prolonged bad posture. I raised my arms in a respective manner as I stretch my body with my eyes still glued to the paper, proud and happy and possibly that I will be confident to have a positive result for the scores. If my teacher were to sabotage it, just in case but I wouldnt accuse him, I hope at least that he will keep me in a passing score.

I grab my paper after stretching and stand up from my seat. I walked down the aisle and reaches to the teacher's desk, where our alchemy teacher, Sir Minerva, is sitting. He looked at me confused. He looked at me and then to everyone then back to me again. Seeing everyone hasnt finish their exam, he eyed me suspiciously as I handed my paper to him. He fixes his collar before taking the paper from my hand and observed it carefully.

I finished the long quiz with no blank and questions unanswered. Everything is filled with the right answers though there might be some questions I have answered wrong .

Sir Minerva lets out a cough although I dont think it is because of something in his throat. He looked at me without saying anything. He kept his opinion to himself after seeing my paper and told me to go back to my seat without forgetting to tell me to not make a ruckus as I return to where I should me.

Geez, no need to remind me.

I sat back and quietly observes everyone who are still answering. My pen still in my hand, tapping it in rhythm while making sure it isnt loud enough to disturb the others. I looked at to my left and Eugene is right there, relaxedly sitting yet he is not answering his paper. Some questions, or most of them, are blank and the multiple choices, I can tell he just picked randomly which of the ABCs be the right answer. The others are very focused on their paper just like Rhyden, who seems to have some few difficulties answering but I know for sure, spoiler alert, he will ace the exam. This hard battle of his that he fought so desperately will be rewarded handsomely because of his persistent and hard work.

Leaving with nothing to observe to each and any of them, I turned to my right where the window resides and I looked outside. The weather is very clear. The feathery clouds moving in one direction and the bigger clouds at the distance remains in one position. It is like a castle in the sky from afar. The sun is rising from an opposite direction so when it is noon, the sun doesnt hit directly from the window next to me and actually creates a shade inside to my side because the sun is on the other side. Im wondering, the sun rises on the other side, then if it is time for the sun to set, Im curious if I can get a great view of it from here. Our dismissal time isnt so late so I never get to see it for myself.

Hours passes by with our subject teachers did as well. The bell rings and everyone rejoices.

I remained to my seat. I thought Id have my lunch here today as I watch everyone leaves the classroom either by group or solo. Rhyden left too and I saw Catherine behind the door waiting for him. I even saw her took a peek of my wellbeing before returning her attention to Rhyden. I didnt think too much of it.

I grabbed my other bag that was placed underneath my desk and placed it on top. I unzipped it and pulled out my packed lunch Julien prepared for me. I set it aside and brought out the utensils that were packed along with it inside the bag before putting the bag underneath again. I open the lid and the aroma of the food escapes the container, making me feel the hunger I wasnt feeling before till now. It is two stacked container so I lifted the upper part and there revealed my desserts. A small pound cake. It didnt have anything on it but it is alright since it is sweet and buttery enough for me.

I grabbed my knife and fork and starts to eat my lunch. Today, it is just a simple English lunch, fish and chips. It looked pretty dry to me until I took a bite of the fish. It is moist and very soft. Although I wish that it came with a sauce but this will do.

Lately, I have been experiencing gastronomical problems, which I thought I wouldnt have to experience again when I came in this world, unfortunately it is here again to torment me. I dont want to be rude to everyone with my constant burping. And I already knew the cause of this problem. So starting today, I'll be eating a little slower.

Back then, my time is limited because of how busy I was so I eat as fast as I could that leads to gastronomical problem and sometimes it includes bowel problems.

While enjoying my lunch, I enjoyed the scenery outside too. However, it came to an end too soon when Sir Minerva came back to the classroom who came looking for me with a paper in his hand. I tried to ignore his presence but I knew it is impossible when he came towards me directly.

His face was dead serious and I am sure there was more to it. I looked at the paper in his hand and at the very top of the paper is my name written. I knew that it is my paper from the long quiz earlier but why is he here?

"Tell me, Mister Advincula." He started. Before he continued, he sets my food aside with no care, causing my knife falling to the ground and then he places the paper to my desk.

"40/40" written on top of the paper.

"Did you cheat?" He asks. His voice is low and stiff. I sense no malice to his words except strictness and... highly accusing instead of asking. The way he looks at me is the same as--- no... I dont want to recall that. Dont look at me like that.

I opened my mouth but felt my throat very tight that took me a while to speak out "no" to answer his question. My mouth stayed open after giving him my answer. My eyes glued to his eyes, not by choice however, it is more likely, I cant look away because I worry about something will happen. I sat there frozen on the spot. Please give me enough courage to keep up this act, or else I might break on the spot.

"No, huh?" Sir Minerva repeated my answer. He breaks off his stare from me and looked around. Everyone in the classroom is gone except for some few students who remained to eat their food here or hasnt gone to the cafeteria yet. They are all looking at our direction. Their forever watchful eyes see everything unfolds, dying to see what could be the end of me.

"Did you have anyone tell you the answer?" He asks. I gave him another no for an answer. He turned to the seat next to me which belongs to Eugene. He recognizes the bag so he didnt question it. He then proceeded to look at the empty seat in front of me. He too recognizes the student who sits there and knew that student wouldnt do anything to help me.

"Can you tell me how you got a perfect score then, Mister Advincula?" He returned to me. He places both of his hands to my desk and leaned a little closer to me while still keeping 1 feet apart distance between the two of us respectively.

"I-I studied...?" I did my best to keep my act, unfortunately, my voice gave it away. My tone didnt have the usual condescending manner and the boastful way of speaking. Despite my wish of breaking my eye contact with him, at this moment, I purposely stared back at him because I knew to myself that what I said is true. I did study. I did listen. I did learn!

Around at this moment, Rhyden, who came back with a snack in his hand, just witness the scene perfectly. His arrival did not go unnoticed to Sir Minerva though, so he called him over to us. Confused, Rhyden did as what he was told to do. He sets his snack, a half eaten sandwich, on his table before coming over to my desk. When he got here, he looks very clueless. He looked around and sees me in a tight spot. My desk messy and the same quiz paper on my table with the noticeable 40/40 encircled with a red pen. He looks at Sir Minerva to ask what is going on but before he could, Sir Minerva orders him to take my bag.

"Take Mr. Advincula's bag please, Mr. Blight." He said.

Me, still scared, reacted too slow. I turned around to clutch my bag, however, Rhyden got to it first. He snatches the bag and held it close to Sir Minerva. He was ordered to open the bag and hold it open for Sir Minerva to search. I wanted to stand up and do something about it because this is a breach of my privacy however, if I were to fight against it, it will make it more look like I did cheat so I sit there agitated. I heard Sir Minerva lets out a frustrated sigh before giving up. He signaled Rhyden to move backwards, away from the seats before he ordered to turn my bag upside down, resulting all of my stuffs falling over to the floor.

I was shock by this and yelled out "Hey!". I stood up from my seat but Sir Minerva used his body to stop me from standing up. He looked down on me first before looking at Rhyden then to my things. He told Rhyden to search all of the items that fell to the ground. Rhyden did as what he was told and started searching. Of course, he found nothing because I didnt cheat for God's sake! How can this teacher treat me like this? This is discrimination!

"Earlier, he had some notes he was reading before you came sir." Rhyden speaks out firmly. With this, Sir Minerva tilted his head and asked where are these notes he was talking about it. "It fell sir. It fell out of the window when Eugene and Carlos were fighting. Carlos was studying and Eugene was bothering him." He explains.

I... I am touched...

I looked at Rhyden without realizing the pathetic look I have in my face till he looked over me to see my expression. I quickly turned away and hang my head low to my seat.

Sir Minerva, who became speechless, looked over to me as well but dared not to see the expression I have.

"What accusation Sir Minerva. Very bold when you dont even have an evidence. You should be ashamed as a teacher." I dont know what came over me but I felt great anger inside me. My voice trembled yet it came out like a growl. My fists clenches over to my knee with my shoulders tensed. I didnt say anything anymore for I felt my throat tightening once more and my eyes have blurred because of the tears pooling in my eyes that I wished it was dry because I dont wanna be seen like this.

"Take you paper. It will be recorded." Was the last words Sir Minerva departed from his mouth before leaving the classroom, all calm but I can feel something else is there and I dont think it is guilt.

I heard some noises from behind me and was reminded that Rhyden is behind me with my stuffs on the ground. I looked back and saw him picking up all of my things off the floor. I furiously stood up from my seat and grabbed my bag from him. Fortunately, he just finished picking up all of my things and I had to turn away from him quickly before he gets to see my wet cheeks. I mistakenly let out a sniffle but I didnt care at this point. I packed up all of my food and put it back. I have lost my appetite. After that, I left the classroom and walked to the opposite side of the hallway Sir Minerva took when he left.

---

Carlos snatched his bag away from Rhyden that caught Rhyden off guard yet he did not stop Carlos taking things back that rightfully belongs to him. He notice how Carlos avoided making an eye contact to him, let alone facing him and swore he noticed Carlos' cheeks reflecting a light like it is wet or something.

He didnt move on the spot as Carlos puts his things back. He can tell he is in a very bad mood. Although what's in it for Rhyden? Overall, maybe Carlos deserved that treatment earlier, considering how Carlos has always been mischievous  and cheating on the exams are not new to the tricks he have. Though he must admit, he did not expect Carlos to actually study and gets a perfect score. Rhyden guesses he also have to admit that Carlos could also deserve that ace, after all, he did study.

When Carlos left the classroom, Rhyden was about to return to his seat until he sees sketchbook underneath a shelf, not far off from where Carlos' stuffs fell. It strayed off a little further and coincidentally hidden if it werent for half of its body out, Rhyden might have not notice it at all. He kneels down and picks it up and curiously opens the notebook to see the contents of it. There revealed lots of sketches and doodles. He flips a few more pages and was amazed to see portraits of people in each pages. One page is dedicated to one portrait. The first one was an old man dressed in a formal butler attire with a caption below "Julien". Next page is a portrait of a servant, Jacques. And then Mathias. He turned to the next page and was surprised to see his own portrait, perfectly drawn on a piece of paper. Looking at it was like looking at the mirror. He looked back to Carlos' seat and first thing in mind is to return the notebook to him until he remembered that Carlos didnt have any talent, so this notebook might have been from someone else. He retracted his hand that was about to place the skechbook on Carlos' desk and brought it with him to his seat and carefully hid it underneath his desk for safe keeping.

Carlos, who is walking around to cool off, is still furious and scared at the same time. He had already walked inside the school building before going out and walk around outside of the school,. He had already visited different statues and fountains but nothing cleared his mind.

He is now at the back of the school, right where he found the old shack yet seems to be in a good shape still if the ruin and mess inside be ignored. He walked towards it and found out that no one has been there since the last time he visited. He walked inside and the same canvas on its stand remained in the same position it was back then.